Housing The Dounreay Fast Reactor

BRITAIN’S first full scale Experimental Fast Breeder Reactor is nearing completion, and this paper describes the unusual problems presented to the structural engineer in providing a housing for the reactor plant. Structural considerations played a part in
determining the shape of container to be used and that spherical form chosen dictated the shape of the biological shield, the novel construction of which is described. The design and construction of the sphere and its air-lock are described and some conclusions drawn on the design adopted and on the need of the engineer for further information i n designing large spheres for vacuum conditions and on the treatment of point loads.
N.T. Barrett